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For now , Spot ’ s potential is still being tested . Davis says the biggest innovation it can bring to architecture is an understanding of buildings in four dimensions : how space changes over time , and also how time changes the way spaces are used . “ How do spatial arrangements — of furnishings and partitions , for instance — affect the amount of time that people spend in a space and their experience of that time ? Is it buzzing with creative energy and social interaction , or does it promote contemplation and focus ?” he says . “ We can infer a lot of these qualities of space and inhabitation through data . And Spot ’ s ability to gather spatial data at regular intervals is a big piece of this puzzle .”
INFO NOTE Spot was first revealed by Boston Dynamics in 2016 and has undergone a number of improvements over time . In 2019 , Spot was made available to the general public , making it the first commercially available robot in the world . Its typical functions were intended for hazardous work but clearly the technology can be adapted for many sectors . Currently you can get your hands on this canine-inspired wonder for around a cool R1 175 000 . RACA
BEIJER REF ACQUIRES
YET ANOTHER HVAC BUSINESS
Australian distributor , Complete Air Supply , is the latest addition to the the world ' s largest global refrigeration wholesaler .
The global refrigeration wholesaler Beijer Ref has signed an agreement to acquire all of the shares in the Australian distribution company .
Complete Air Supply ( CAS ) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of ducting and associated fittings within air conditioning in Australia with around 40 employees . Sales are made through a distribution network of three branches in Queensland .
Annual sales amount to approximately SEK ( Swedish Krona ) 130 million . Beijer Ref acquires CAS from one main principal owner . Beijer Ref is already present in Australia through Beijer Ref Australia , Kirby and ACD Trade .
The acquisition strengthens the Group ’ s overall presence in APAC-region where sales amounts to about 3 billion SEK .
Per Bertland , CEO Beijer Ref , comments : “ Australia is an important market for us , and it is pleasing that we found an opportunity to grow further . CAS is a well-managed and fast-growing company that will add value to our group in the form of a broader product range within air conditioning . CAS is already an existing supplier to Beijer in Australia in Queensland . This acquisition greatly enhances our position in the residential ducted market and , more broadly into the commercial segment of our industry . CAS ’ s products , experience and expertise will complement our Air conditioning product offering as well as adding to our existing customer base .”
Beijer Ref
The parties have signed a binding agreement concluded on 1 February 2021 . CAS will continue in its existing form . The acquisition is expected to have a marginal positive impact of the Beijer Ref Group ’ s result .
With logistics centres at the heart of every market , Beijer Ref distributes products mainly through its own network of approximately 425 branches . In addition to this , Beijer Ref owns five refrigerant filling stations . This latest acquisition adds to the some 70 subsidiaries in Europe , Asia Pacific and Africa . RACA
Beijer Ref CEO , Per Bertland .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I April 2021 9